Thread cleaner



May 11,1937. j .1. v` P'oLcHA 2,080,335

' THREAD CLEANER 'Filed Nov. s, i954 A 2V sheets-sheet 1 @Lgf faca Mfacw;

\'May `11,1937. J..v. PoLcl-IA THREAD CLEANER Filed Nov. 8, 1934' 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 11, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

My invention relates to thread cleaning devices and more particularly to a thread cleaner of the character used in connection with textile machinery.

In a conventional type of thread cleaner used with textile machinery, the cleaning elements comprising a pair of blades or plates are mounted upon a suitable support attached to the frame of the machine and are positioned with respect to their support, so that a slot of predetermined width is formed between the edges of the blades used to clean the thread. It will be appreciated that the thread, in its passage through the slot between the blades, causes considerable wear and as `a result the blade elements have to be frequntly replaced. When it becomes necessary to `replace the cleaning blades, care must be exercised by the operator to be sure that the new blades are properly positioned on the bracket in order that a predetermined width of slot is maintained.

Heretofore, it has been proposed to mount the blades so that they are adjustable with respect to their support and in some instances the blades have been constructed with a plurality of cleaning surfaces. One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a thread cleaner having an improved blade arrangement wherein a single blade may be used a number of times before it becomes necessary to discard it. The invention also comprehends novel means for supporting the blades, including an improved guide and guard device associated with the clamping means used to hold the blades in the cleaning position.

d An object of my invention is to provide a thread-cleaning device wherein the blades are constructed and arranged so that any one of a plurality of cleaning edges formed on an individual blade, may be used to clean the thread.

Another object of my invention is to provide a thread-cleaner having a plurality of adjustable and reversible blades, the cleaning edges of the blades being adapted to be accurately and uniformly spaced by means of a gauge member, insertable therebetween.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a thread-cleaner having improved support means for the blade elements and guide eyes associated therewith.

Astill further object of my invention is to provide a thread-cleaner having an improved blade protector or guide whereby the blade may be securely clamped to its support and held in the operative position without abrading or otherwise damaging the cleaning edge thereof` Yet another object of my invention is to provide a thread-cleaner having a combined thread guide and guard arrangement, by means of which a thread may be easily inserted into the slot formed between the blade elements, the thread being prevented from slipping over the free ends of the blades during the cleaning operation.

With these and other objects in view, which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements, comprising my invention, may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into prac- Fig. 3 is a plan view of a modification of the I invention showing a pair of thread cleaning devices.

Fig. 4 is an end View of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a modified form of supp' port bracket.

Fig. 6 is an end view of Fig. 5.

Fig. '7 is a plan view showing a plurality of blades mounted upon a common support.

Fig. 8 is an end View of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a tool used to remove foreign matter from between the blades; and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a blade spacing gauge.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not conne myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by way of illustrations, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or exceeding the scop of the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a thread cleaning device comprising a base or support member I, formed with a flat horizontal portion 2, having an angularly disposed end piece 3, and upturned flanges 4--4 at the sides thereof. The base I is attached to a side frame ii of a winding machine, or other apparatus with which the device is to be used, by means of screws or other suitable fastening devices 6.

Mounted upon the base, are a pair of thread cleaning elements in the form of blades 'Ll-T', which are adjustably secured to support member I by means of screws 3, adapted to thread into the support member.

a slot 9 through which the thread Iil passes during the cleaning operation, and each elementis formed with sharp edges I I which denne the lines of contact therebetween and the thread to be cleaned.

It will be noted, that each blade is formed with f our cleaning edges II, this arrangement being provided so that the blades may be reversed and/or inverted, whereby new lines of contact may be'presented to the thread7 after a portion of the cleaning edges have become worn due to frictional contact with the thread, after prolonged use'. It will be appreciated that the blade elements, which are formed from metal, may be treated with material to provide a wear-resistant surfaceV or the entire blade may be made from a Ametal of this character.

The corners of each blade are cut away as at I2', and when the blades are mounted in the operative position upon their support, there is formed an opening I3` at the entrance to slot 9 whereby the thread may be easily introduced between the blades; In' order to properly space the blades and form a slot of predetermined width, there is provided a gauge member Hl adapted to be slidably inserted between the blades near the rear portions thereof. It will be understood that a numberof gauges of various thicknesses are provided with the device, the gauges being suitably numbered corresponding to a required width of slot, whichiis in turn determined by the diameter of the vthread to be cleaned.

In mounting the cleaning elements upon the base I, they are rst placed upon horizontal portion 2, screws 8 being turned down a short distance into the base so that slight pivotal movement of the blades is permitted. Gauge member I4` is then inserted between the blades and screws 8' are turned downtightly so that the blades are clamped in fixed position, with a slot of predetermined width formed therebetween. To effect adjustment of the blades and prevent their displacement from a Xed position during the clean-- ingoperation, there is provided a set screw I5 adapted to thread into flange 4 and hold the blades stationary. Since blade 'I has a bearing surface against flange Il, movement of blade 7 in the direction of the flange is prevented; gauge I4 is of suicient area to provide substantial surfaces of contact between blades 'I and l', with the result that when set screw I5 is turned down the force exerted by the screw is transmitted substantially equally throughout the various bearing surfaces, so that displacement of the blades and gauge from adjusted position is prevented.

In order to protect the sharp edges II of the blades, against abrasion or mutilation by adjustin'gscrew I5, there is provided a guard member I6 adapted to t down over the edge of blade 1', presenting a surface with which the end of The cleaning elements are' arranged in parallel spaced relationship, forming the set screw may contact, during adjustment of the blades to form a slot of predetermined width. Guard member I6 may be attached to the blade by means of screw 8 used to clamp the blade to its support member, and it will be noted that the guard is formed with a bent over portion IT, the edge of the bent over portion contacting with the top surface of blade 1', the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

As above indicated, the blades are arranged so that when they are in the operative position, an opening I3 is formed at the entrance to slot 9 whereby the thread may be easily and quickly introduced into the slot. To further assist in the introduction of the thread and also prevent the thread from sliding over the ends of the blades, in event that it should slip out of the slot, a guard device in the form of a looped member, designated generally by numeral I8, is provided.

The combination thread guide and guard member i8, is formed from a piece of relatively heavy wire bent in the form shown, and having its free ends I9 curved inwardly for engagement with openings 20, formed in the body portions of the blades. Inl this connection it will be noted that each blade is provided with two openings 20, one to receive the set screw 8, used to clamp the blade on its support and the other to receive one of the ends I9 of the guard. The guard I8 is further supported by means of bent over portion I'I, formed on the blade guard I6, lower edge 2l of portion Il contacting with the upper surface of blade l', with a portion of loop I8 seated between the bent over piece I'I and the blade. It will be understood that end I'I of guard I6 may be bent around the portion of a loop with which it engages, so that the blade guard and thread guide will then be connected as a unit for application to the blades.

It is customary to provide thread guide means,

consisting of porcelain guide eyes suitably mount- 23 and hold the arm, together with the associated porcelain guide eye, in operative position.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown a modified form of my invention, wherein two sets of cleaning elements are used. In this arrangement one pair of blade elements are mounted horizontally as in Figure l and another pair positionedv at right angles thereto, with a combined thread cleaning and tension means between the cleaning devices. or base I is'bent upwardly as at 25 and extended to form a support 26 for the blades which are mounted in a Vertical position. The continuation 25 of support member I is formed with a flange portion 2l adapted to receive a set screw 28, used to maintain the blades in Xed position.

It will be noted that side frame 5', of the winding machine is in the form of a hollow metal member, substantially L-shaped in cross section, the horizontal portion of the frame being provided with a slot 29 adapted to receive set screws 3U, which seat in the slot and permit longitudinal adjustment of the thread cleaners. Set screws 30 may be provided with spring members 3| between The blade support member the head of the set screws and the base I', the eridofv the screw being threaded into a nut 32. The combined thread guide and tension device comprising a porcelain button 33, adapted to be pressed by means of spring 34 against a felt disc 35, is supported upon a wire loop member having arms 36, and attached to support I' by means of screw 3l'.

Referringto Figures 5 and 6 ther-e is shown another form of the thread cleaning device, somewhat similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 3 but differing principally therefrom in that the side frame of the winding machine is formed with a wooden portion 38 which is sub-l stantially L-shaped `in cross section, having a metallic tubular portion 39 attached thereto by means of suitable fastening devices 4b. The tubular portion, as in' Figure 3 is provided with a slot 29 adapted to receive set screws 38 by means of which longitudinal adjustment of the position of the cleaners with respect to the frame is obtained. In this form the support member for the blades is provided with slot extensions 4| to receive'the body portions of the screws 30' whereby the cleaners are securely clamped in fixed position.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a plurality of thread cleaning elements mounted upon a common support. Blades 42 are somewhat narrower than the structures herein before described, however, they are essentially th-e same in general outline and are intended to be usedin the same fashion as the other blades. By using a number of blades, all attached to the same base, a plurality of cleaning slots of various sizes may be provided with one cleaning unit. This arrangement is of particular importance when it is desired to effect economy in time consumed in changing the width of the slot between the blade elements when it is desired to clean thread of a different diameter than the thread for which an individual pair of blades have been set.

Referring to Figure 9 there is shown a perspective View of a tool used for the purpose of removing knots and other foreign matter from between the blade elements, 'I'he device comprises resilient arm members 43 having a transverse piece 44 attached thereto. The intermediate portion of transverse member 44 is formed with a lug or projection 45 and the edge of the piece is`cut out of 46 to facilitate engagement with and removal of the foreign material which collects between the blades as the thread is cleaned.

Referring to Figure 10 I have shown a perspective view of the gauge used in spacing the cleaning elements. The gauge, designated generally by numeral I4, is formed with one portion 4'! of less thickness than portion 48. By means of this arrangement a single unit provides spacing means for two different widths of slot.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, or eX- ceeding the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A thread cleaner comprising a support, a pair of cleaning elements mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between the cleaning surfaces thereof, each of said elements comprising a body portion having an opening at either end thereof, means insertable between the elements to determine the width of the slot, means to hold the elements in fixed position after the slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one of the elements against `abrasion by the 'blade holding means and means whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends of said elements, comprising adetachable guard member insertable in the openings at the free ends of the elements.

2. A thread cleaner comprising a support, a pair of blade elements adjustably mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between the cleaning surfaces thereof, each of said blades comprising a body portion formed with a plurality of cleaning edges having an opening at either end thereof, means insertable between the blades to determine the width of the slot, means to hold the blades in fixed position after the slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one of the blades against abrasion by the blade holding means and means whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends of said bla-des, comprising a detachable guard member inserted in the openings at the free ends of the blades.

In a thread cleaner a support comprising a base having two up-turned anges formed thereon, one of said flanges being adapted to form a stop to limit outward movement of a cleaning element, one end of said base being formed with an upturned flange portion adapted to receive a thread guide eye support arm, a pair of cleaning blades adjustably mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between cleaning surfaces thereof, each of said blades comprising a body portion formed with a plurality of cleaning edges and having an opening at either end thereof, means insertable between the blades te determine the width of the slot, means to hold the blades in fixed position after the slot Width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one of the blades against abrasion by the blade holding means and means whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends of said blades, comprising a detachable guard member inserted in the openings at the free ends of the blades.

4. In a thread cleaner a support comprising a base having two up-turned flanges formed thereon, one of said flanges being adapted to form a stop to limit outward movement of a cleaning element, the other of said flanges being provided with means to clamp a cleaning element in xed position upon the support, one end of said base being formed with an upturned flange portion adapted to receive a thread guide eye support arm, a pair of blade elements adjustably mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between the cleaning surfaces thereof, each of said blades comprising a body portion formed with a plurality of cleaning edges and having an opening at either end thereof, means insertable between the blades to determine the width of the slot, means to hold the blades in xed position after the slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one of the blades against abrasion by the blade holding means and means whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends of said blades, comprising a detachable guard member inserted in the openings at the ireeends of the. blades.

5". A thread cleaner comprising a support, a pair of blade elements adjustably mountedupon said support and spaced to form a slot between theY cleaningedges thereof, means to fasten the blades to the support, each of said blades comprising a body portion formed with a plurality of cleaning edges and having an opening at either end` thereof. to` receive said fastening means, rneansinsertable between the blades to determine the width of the slot, means to hold the blades in iXed position after the slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one of the blades against abrasion by the blade holding means, and means whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends of said blades, comprising a detachable guard member inserted in the openings at the free ends of the blades.

v6; A thread cleaner comprising a support, a pairof cleaning elements mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between the cleaning surfaces thereof, means insertable between the elements to determine the width of the-fslot, means to hold the elements in fixed position after the slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one ofthe elements against abrasion by the blade holding means and guard means associated with thecleaning elements whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over` the ends of said elements, comprising a looped member having portions of its free ends bent to provide an opening in front of the slot between the cleaning surfaces, the free ends of said looped member being attached to the cleaning elements,

'7. A thread cleaner comprising a support, a pair of blade elements adjustably mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between the cleaning surfaces thereof, said blades being formed with a plurality of cleaning edges, means insertable between the blades to determine the width of the slot, means to hold the blades in fixed position after the slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of one of the blades against abrasion by the blade holding means and guard means associated-with the blades whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends. of said blades, comprising a looped member having portions of its free ends bent to provide an opening in front of the slot between the cleaning surfaces, the free ends of said looped mem ber being attached to-the blades.

8. In a thread cleaner, av support comprising a base having two upturned flanges formed thereon, one of said flanges being adapted to forma stop to limit outward movement of a cleaning'element, one end of said base being formedwith-an upturned flange adapted to receive a thread guide eye supporty arm, a pair of cleaning blades ad'- justably mounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between cleaning surfaces thereof, said blades being formed with a= plurality'of cleaning edges, means insertable between the blades to determine the width ofthe slot, means to hold the blades in xed position after the-slot width has been determined, means to protect the cleaning surface of' one of the blades againstv abrasion by the blade holding means and guard means associated with` the blades wherebyJ the thread undergoing cleaning isprevented'4 from slipping over the ends of said blades, comprising a loopedmember havingportions-of its free ends bent to provide an opening-in front ofthe slot between the cleaningsurfaces, the free ends of said looped member being attached to the blades.

9. A thready cleaner comprising a support,`a pair of bladevelements adjustablymounted upon said support and spaced to form a slot between the cleaning edgesl thereof, means to fasten the blades to the support, each` of said blades com prising a body portion formed with a plurality of cleaning edges andI having an opening at either end thereof to receive said fastening means, means` insertable between the bladesl to determine the width of the slot, meansV to hold the blades in fixed position after the slotA width has been determined, meansto protect theclean ing surface of one of the blades against abrasion by the blade -holding means and guard means as'- sociated with the blades whereby the thread undergoing cleaning is prevented from slipping over the ends of said blades, comprising a looped member having portions of its free ends` bent to provide an opening in front of the slot between the cleaning edges of the blades, the ends of said loopedl member being seated in the openings' at the free ends of theblades.

JACOB V. POLCHA. 

